They hold fast to the idea that defying the odds with sweat, toil, and relentless determination is the “real” way to achieve goals. Yet, an abundance mindset doesn’t preclude having an uncompromising passion that fuels personal and business momentum until health, happiness and wellbeing show up.

Resourcefulness, determination, and abundance can get along very compatibly in the leader’s mind. Mindset, after all, is an accumulation of multiple thoughts and experiences internalized over time. While it may be easy for the leader of a fledgling company to be absorbed in thoughts of risk or scarcity, it is just as possible to focus on the potential for opportunity. Many leaders have bootstrapped (worked without the means of outside capital or investment) their way to success by believing in and then delivering on their resourcefulness to achieve their vision. An abundant mindset combined with determination and ingenuity is a powerful way of thinking.

Abundant thinking also has a strong influence on decision making. Abundance-minded leaders are more inclined to focus on the potential of their organizations, rather than obsessing over risks. For example, while cost-cutting has its place, it doesn’t stimulate growth. Thoughtful spending combined with planning for abundance is mutually important to success. Additionally, an abundant mindset is often the catalyst for innovation. Leaders who are intent on creating value are continually evolving and adapting their organizations to seize new opportunities. Therefore, they are more resilient and sustainable.

Abundance-minded thinking also applies to employee development and retention. Leaders who are abundance-minded tend to perceive their roles very differently. They are not threatened by other people’s success. They quickly recognize and support one another’s objectives and sometimes form partnerships to accelerate results toward a mutual win-win. They maintain their focus on the future and elevate their staff in preparation for it. They encourage people to fill their shoes, trust in them and, thus, are not prone to micromanagement. By staying focused on their vision, mission and the value they create, abundance-minded leaders position their organizations for rapid growth.

Belief in abundance balanced with a realistic awareness of existing challenges is a formula for leadership success. Such optimism is contagious. It mitigates fear, which so often is the cause of disruption and errors in judgment. It attracts like-minded thinking and a positive culture. Like all things worth pursuing, abundance-minded leadership takes practice and commitment. Peer support and discussion groups can be a good start.